MIRACLES
By Mike Gurganus

INTRODUCTION:
  1. Do you believe that miracles exist today (Yes/No)?

  2. One way that we learn is by asking questions.

  3. Concerning the subject of miracles, many people believe that they exist today.

  4. But it does not matter what you and I believe, all that matters is, what does God say through His word concerning the subject of miracles.

  5. So with these things in mind, let us turn to the word of God to ask and answering some question concerning miracles to determine if our concept of miracles is in harmony with God’s.

 

DISCUSSION:

  1. WHAT IS GOD’S DEFINITION OF A MIRACLE?

  1. Matthew 8

    1. The healing of the leper. 2-4, emp. v.3
    2. The healing of the centurion’s servant. 5-13, emp. v.13
    3. The healing of Peter’s mother-in-law. 14-15, emp. v.15
    4. The healing of the sick and demon-possessed. 16, 28-34, emp. V.16,32
    5. Jesus calming the stormy sea. 23-27, emp. 26

 

  B. God’s definition of a miracle is that which transcends the natural laws of God.

  1. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF MIRACLES?

  1. Scriptures that must be considered.

    1. John 3:5
    2. John 20:30,31
    3. Mark 16:20
    4. Acts 8:4-6

  1. The Biblical purpose of miracles was to show that both the messenger and his message was from God.

 

  1. HOW WHERE MIRACULOUS GIFTS IMPARTED TO OTHERS?

  1. Scriptures that must be considered.

    1. Acts 8:13-17
    2. Acts 19:1-6
    3. II Timothy 1:8

  1. From these verses we learn that only the apostles could impart miraculous gifts to others.
     

  1. WHEN WOULD MIRACLES END?

  1. Scriptures that must be considered.

    1. I Corinthians 13:8-12
    2. Jude 3

   B.   The Bible teaches that miracles would end when God’s word was finished.

 

  1. IF MIRACLES HAVE ENDED, THEN HOW DOES GOD WORK TODAY?

  1. Through His word.

    1. II Timothy 3:16,17
    2. Acts 20:32

  1. Through His providence.

    1. Genesis 45:5-8
    2. The book of Esther.


CONCLUSION

  1. It can be easily seen from God’s word that although miracles did once exist they have ceased because God has given us His complete revelation.

  2. And that God today works through His completed word and providence.

  3. The only question left for us to answer is, "Does our answer to the question, ‘Do miracles exist today harmonize with God?’"